All About Autism

[Lavina]

Hello,

I am new to this forum
My son is currently sec3 and has mild autism.

I remember calling some schools in our neighbourhood before we register for P1. We spoke to either the principal or vp. One principal was very positive and invited us to go down for a meeting. He was very supportive and of course our son went to that school (luckily we managed to ballot in). Unfortunately the principal left the school after 2 years.

That said, I think no matter which school our child attends, the teachers are the most important. And I believe if we are understanding (eg when the teacher complains) and supportive (eg work with the teacher to manage the situation), most teachers are kind and want to help.

For instance, in P1, every Wednesday the first (and sometimes second) period is teachers meeting. ALL the children are doing silent reading in the hall with only prefects maintaining order. My son was jogging round the hall, making noise the entire time. In the end, I send my son to school late every Wednesday and stayed with him until lesson commence.

HTH : )

[ImMeeMee]

Lavina:

Hello,

I am new to this forum
My son is currently sec3 and has mild autism.

I remember calling some schools in our neighbourhood before we register for P1. We spoke to either the principal or vp. One principal was very positive and invited us to go down for a meeting. He was very supportive and of course our son went to that school (luckily we managed to ballot in). Unfortunately the principal left the school after 2 years.

That said, I think no matter which school our child attends, the teachers are the most important. And I believe if we are understanding (eg when the teacher complains) and supportive (eg work with the teacher to manage the situation), most teachers are kind and want to help.

For instance, in P1, every Wednesday the first (and sometimes second) period is teachers meeting. ALL the children are doing silent reading in the hall with only prefects maintaining order. My son was jogging round the hall, making noise the entire time. In the end, I send my son to school late every Wednesday and stayed with him until lesson commence.

HTH : )

thanks for sharing, Lavina. You and your ds must have come a long way.

i do think that sometimes it takes a stroke of luck for certain things to come, or go, like the good principle leaving.

just wanted to know from fellow mothers with special needs children whether you are working full time or part time, or SAHM. Reasone being I am a FTWM, and am grateful that I have good family support. but recently i have been progressively thinking about going part-time, so that i can spend more time with the family, especially dd3. the next 2 years will also be more crucial, as dd3 goes into the k1k2 stage and school placement options become a real issue.

i know there is no right or wrong, and one man's meat is another man's poison. i should also be making a decision based on my family's specific context which i would be in the best position to assess. but still, the emo and vulnerable part of me just wanted some compansionship in this decision making process. currently work is good and prospects are promising - but i am clear that this takes backstage when I am making such decisions.

so do share. TIA.

[mommsie101]

hi everyone, there is a book on this woman named Temple Grandin. very inspiring story. Watched part of the film which dictates her story. It might encourage you! It even encouraged me…

[pingsped]

ImMeeMee:

but recently i have been progressively thinking about going part-time, so that i can spend more time with the family, especially dd3. the next 2 years will also be more crucial, as dd3 goes into the k1k2 stage and school placement options become a real issue.

so do share. TIA.

FTWM vs SAHM

Most kids with moderate form of autism, (esp kids whose cognitive and behv profile are \"borderline\" - either mainstream/special school) show faster improvement if one parent is not working or working part-time.

Cos it's the closest thing to having therapy everyday.

I think most experienced therapists and PDs know that as we can see the difference, esp for parents who have higher education. Just look at the profile of kids & family background in Pathlight School & Rainbow Ctr (ASD program)

[ImMeeMee]

pingsped:

FTWM vs SAHM

Most kids with moderate form of autism, (esp kids whose cognitive and behv profile are \"borderline\" - either mainstream/special school) show faster improvement if one parent is not working or working part-time.

Cos it's the closest thing to having therapy everyday.

I think most experienced therapists and PDs know that as we can see the difference, esp for parents who have higher education. Just look at the profile of kids & family background in Pathlight School & Rainbow Ctr (ASD program)

thanks pingsped, for sharing the experience from the professional front. ref your comment about the profile of kids and family background in pathlight and rainbow, care to elaborate a bit?

[kiddo]

pingsped:

ImMeeMee:

but recently i have been progressively thinking about going part-time, so that i can spend more time with the family, especially dd3. the next 2 years will also be more crucial, as dd3 goes into the k1k2 stage and school placement options become a real issue.

so do share. TIA.

FTWM vs SAHM

Most kids with moderate form of autism, (esp kids whose cognitive and behv profile are \"borderline\" - either mainstream/special school) show faster improvement if one parent is not working or working part-time.

Cos it's the closest thing to having therapy everyday.

I think most experienced therapists and PDs know that as we can see the difference, esp for parents who have higher education. Just look at the profile of kids & family background in Pathlight School & Rainbow Ctr (ASD program)

pingsped, IMM HI,

I am no expert but think if Parents with child that need special attention,
If they can manage it , PTWM or SAHM rather than a FTWM will definitely benefit the child a lot because the mother will there to understand the need of the child better and made appropriate intervention on a daily basis small step to weir the child to the right progress.

Then with the time available, band in with parents with similar experience
along the way will help educate ourself and thus help better understand
the child unique needs.

Hope this is a little thot for you to go SAHM /PTWM. :hi5:

[ImMeeMee]

thanks kiddo. your words have sort of confirmed something deep in my heart. Actually I guess my words have sort of given me away in the first place in one way or another, its just that I need to go through this exercise to bring my thoughts to the open.


I recall there was one period where I was 24/7 SAHM, but ended up frustrating everyone else cos that has never been my strength. so i do feel apprehensive to go into this again, cos I do not want to end up getting everyone and myself unhappy in the long run. its a mindset issue, but its easier said than done to change. I try, but I do not succeed all the time.

Again its a struggle to go through, just like all the rest.

[pingsped]

ImMeeMee:

I recall there was one period where I was 24/7 SAHM, but ended up frustrating everyone else cos that has never been my strength. so i do feel apprehensive to go into this again, cos I do not want to end up getting everyone and myself unhappy in the long run. its a mindset issue, but its easier said than done to change. I try, but I do not succeed all the time.

Again its a struggle to go through, just like all the rest.

Parents with explosive temperament should avoid teaching their kids until they get a hold of themselves. There is a period of grieving/recovery that every parent goes through. It is part of the process.

You sound like a really nice mummy, so I think you will succeed if you work closely with your therapist. If realistic goals are set, your child is bound to improve. Have faith in yourself and your child.

If you feel your child's growth has plateaued or :imdrowning: , seek help from other parents, the forums or even the internet.

:rahrah: :rahrah: :rahrah:

[kiddo]

ImMeeMee:

thanks kiddo. your words have sort of confirmed something deep in my heart. Actually I guess my words have sort of given me away in the first place in one way or another, its just that I need to go through this exercise to bring my thoughts to the open.


I recall there was one period where I was 24/7 SAHM, but ended up frustrating everyone else cos that has never been my strength. so i do feel apprehensive to go into this again, cos I do not want to end up getting everyone and myself unhappy in the long run. its a mindset issue, but its easier said than done to change. I try, but I do not succeed all the time.

Again its a struggle to go through, just like all the rest.

I will not then in your case go SAHM yet,or go on a short term
until a point where you need to go back and find yourself again.
Change to suit might be better for the situation :hi5:

But you need to shuttle being a caregiver and be with yourself, some of the impossible are a little beyond us.
I know what it like because I have try before to do the impossible and
think it the best for someone close , but it backfired and make me
stop and reflect my own strength and ability to handle.

If I cannot get out of my own skin how do I face the issue day in day
out with certain expectation of the outcome.
And also if it falls below, what we do ?

Just a little thot from my perspective, if it help clear a few
mist in your thot , I am happy :hugs: :snuggles:

[quirkymum]

Any recommendations for a good speech therapist for autistic kids? My sister's child is autistic. She is 7, goes to a normal school but has problem with her speech. I do not know if it is a speech problem or a behaviour problem and my sister is very troubled as her daughter gets bullied in school as she cannot speak very well. :sad: